When I went to Granite City for the first interview, I could see the contractor left the old gutter in place. He’d been paid to install new six inch gutters. The contract clearly shows he agreed to do it. That contractor never responded to our calls.

But after a worker from Tesson Roofing saw our story, owner Brett Tesson agreed to finish the job at no charge. “I was compelled to step up and help these people because it seemed like the right thing to do. You hear a lot about shady contractors around town,” he stated.

Tobi Penberthy is overjoyed. “I am extremely happy, overwhelmed by their generosity, and their compassion. Very happy.”

Tesson says it happens more often than people think. He says low overhead keeps them going. “A lot of guys are throwing their trucks on the road, A ladder in the back. And they`re going out, and they`re coming across as contractors. They`re not certified, they don`t carry the proper insurance,” he warned.

Brett says the internet can be the scammer’s best friend. “It`s easy to Google a template print it out, put it in front of an unsuspecting homeowner that feels as if they`re allowing these people to come into their home, trying to improve their property, the value of their property, and they just run of with their money,” he said.

Before you hire a contractor, consider selecting one of the certified businesses listed with the Better Business Bureau. If the contractor is based in Illinois remember a state contractor’s license is required. Call us with your consumer issues. The toll free number is 800 782-2222. Volunteers take calls Monday through Thursday between 11am and 1pm